Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Serves 8
Ingredients for the enchilada sauce:
- Olive oil spray
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 or 2 tbsp chipotle chile in adobo sauce, more if you like it spicy
- 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2/3 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
- kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
For the zucchini boats:
- 4 (about 32 oz total) medium zucchini
- 1 tsp oil
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 8 oz cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 3 tbsp water or fat free chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
3/4 cup reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish
Process:
- For the enchilada sauce: In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic. Add chipotle chiles, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4" thick. Chop the scooped out flesh of the zucchini in small pieces and set aside.
- In a large saute pan, heat oil and add onion, garlic and bell pepper. Cook on medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add chopped zucchini and cilantro; season with salt and pepper and cook about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, and tomato paste and cook a few more minutes, then add in chicken; mix and cook 3 more minutes.
- Place 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large (or 2 small) baking dish, and place zucchini halves cut side up. Using a spoon, fill each hollowed zucchini with 1/3 cup chicken mixture, pressing firmly.
- Top each with 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of shredded cheese to each.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through.
- Top with scallions and cilantro to serve.
